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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain aims dig at Arsenal fans as he names Liverpool return date

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The midfielder has been out of action since April (Picture: Getty)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is targeting a return to first-team action before the end of the season and thanked Liverpool fans for their support – something he did not receive quite so much of at Arsenal.

The midfielder injured his ACL while playing against Roma in the Champions League semi-final last April and has been expected to miss the entirety of the 2018/19 season.

However, Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed that his recovery is going well – having started kicking a ball indoors – and he hopes to get minutes under his belt before the season is over.

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Asked if hell play this season, the Ox told Liverpools official website: I hope so. The next target for me is to build up more in the gym, back towards being able to run outside again and start plodding around the pitches.

I probably have to do two months of running, which is not really my favourite thing either. And then when the ball comes out it becomes easier.

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Id love to be able to make an appearance at least before the end of the season, depending on what were doing and if Im needed – Im sure I wont be.

Even when Im back I wont be fully at the races or fully fit, but it would be nice just to get a few appearances before the end of the season, probably more mentally to prove that I can do it and then have a good pre-season and start fresh next season.

Soccer Football - Champions League Semi Final First Leg - Liverpool vs AS Roma - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - April 24, 2018 Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after sustaining an injury REUTERS/Phil Noble — The Ox was in superb form prior to picking up the ACL injury (Picture: Reuters)

Oxlade-Chamberlain has frequently spoken about the support he has received from Liverpool fans since picking up his injury and says it marks a big change from his time at old club Arsenal.

Ive had injuries in the past where its been difficult because pressure from fans has been “hes injured again” or “we cant trust him hes always injured”.

But Ive got injured here and Ive had nothing but positive feedback from the fans, which for me I cant thank them enough and thats what keeps me going every day to try and reward their patience and support.

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